Rating Level: Easy/ModerateThe rugged coast of Maine is the ideal getaway, with its idyllic location, spectacular scenery and unique lifestyle.
You can experience coastal Maine at its best—VBT style—at Acadia National Park. As you explore the park along its network of traffic-free carriage roads, you’ll discover a treat for all the senses, from glorious views, the scent of pine forests, the caress of sea breezes and soothing surf to the freshest lobster you’ve ever tasted. Combining charming towns, a pristine island hamlet and a host of optional activities, this bicycling vacation offers you the ultimate Down East experience.
ROLL through a wonderland of car-free carriage trails in Acadia National Park
ENJOY gorgeous views of Frenchman Bay, Cadillac Mountain, the spectacular fjord at Somes Sound and more
VISIT Sand Beach and perhaps hike the easy trail there
FERRY to quaint Little Cranberry Island to experience a unique rustic community
CHOOSE from among a host of options, such as sea kayaking
SAVOR fresh lobster during an included dinner
This tour offers the full range of easy terrain mixed with moderate and challenging hills and is ideal for beginning and experienced cyclists. Our VBT van support shuttle is always available for those who need assistance with the hills.
Rating Level: Easy/Moderate
Daily Mileage: 13 - 26 miles
Daily Cycling Time: 2 - 4 1/2 hours
VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations and the Bar Harbor-Bangor Shuttle Bus have teamed up to provide an included shuttle service from the Bangor Airport to Bar Harbor and the start of your tour. If you are flying into Bangor, please call the Bar Harbor-Bangor Shuttle Bus at 207-479-5911 to make reservations to and from Bar Harbor. Be sure to advise them you are a VBT guest when you make your reservation. There is no refund available for guests who are unable to make use of this transfer service. To be sure that you arrive to the tour on time, please make sure your flight arrives in Bangor by 11:00 am. If you arrive after 11:00 am, you may have to take a later shuttle and miss the beginning of your tour.
Our group meets at the Bar Harbor Inn. After settling in, explore this lovely seaport town until mid-afternoon. At 3 p.m., join your VBT Trip Leaders for a safety and bike-fitting session, followed by a short warm-up ride. At 5:00 p.m., meet up with the group for a tour orientation and welcome reception before a 7:00 p.m. dinner at the inn.
Today, cycle on Acadia's famed car-free carriage roads, which were established by John D. Rockefeller. Your loop takes you around Eagle Lake to Jordan Pond. Lunch is on your own. We recommend stopping at Jordan Pond House for their elegant fare, including their famous popovers. The afternoon ride offers exceptional views of Bubble Pond and Cadillac Mountain. Savor the flavors of Maine tonight during a lobster dinner at the inn. Afterward, there are sometimes free band concerts on the town green.
Spend the morning riding on the Park Loop Road to Sand Beach, where you can relax on the shore or participate in a short hike. After lunch at the Fabbri Memorial Picnic Area, cycle back to Bar Harbor or, for additional miles, continue on the Park Loop Road past Cadillac Mountain Summit Road. This afternoon, you may choose among optional activities (at your own expense): guided sea kayaking in Frenchman Bay, a whale-watching excursion or a sunset cruise on the schooner Margaret Todd. Or browse Bar Harbor's charming gift shops and boutiques. For dinner on your own, enjoy the fine restaurants in town.
Today, cycle to the quiet side of Mount Desert Island, where we'll have plenty of time to check out the local microbrewery and enjoy lunch. Then, continue cycling to Northeast Harbor, offering views of the spectacular fjord of Somes Sound. In Northeast Harbor, you will find attractive boutiques, galleries, gardens and eateries. Our home here, Asticou Inn, overlooks the beautiful protected harbor full of sailboats and luxury yachts. Take advantage of the inn's amenities, which include a heated outdoor swimming pool and clay tennis courts. Dinner will be at a local restaurant tonight.
After a leisurely breakfast at the inn, we board a car-free ferry to Great Cranberry Island (20 minutes) and continue on by ferry to Little Cranberry Island (15 minutes). Visit this pristine hamlet, which hosts a year-round community of lobstermen, boat builders, craftsmen and “rusticators” (those who opt for country living). We'll visit the Islesford Historical Museum before boarding the ferry back to Northeast Harbor (30 minutes). Enjoy an optional visit to the Azalea and Thuya Gardens before our final farewell celebration dinner at the inn.
This morning, we will cycle up to Acadia National Park and enter the carriage trails one last time, enjoying the views along the west side of Jordan Pond on our way back to Bar Harbor. As we bid adieu, you'll agree with the state's motto that this is truly “the way life should be.”
VBT has arranged facilities for your use between noon and 2 p.m. to shower and change before leaving. The innkeepers of the Bar Harbor Inn ask that you depart by 2:00 p.m.
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May 63° Jun 71° Jul 77° |
Aug 75° Sep 69° Oct 58° |
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June 10, 2012 |
$1,995 |
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June 17, 2012 |
$1,995 |
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June 24, 2012 |
$1,995 |
|
July 8, 2012 |
$2,095 |
|
July 15, 2012 |
$2,195 |
|
August 5, 2012 |
$2,095 |
|
August 12, 2012 |
$2,095 |
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August 19, 2012 |
$2,095 |
|
September 2, 2012 |
$2,295 |
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September 16, 2012 |
$2,195 |
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September 23, 2012 |
$2,195 |
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September 30, 2012 |
$2,095 |
Please note: Standard Terms & Conditions apply when purchasing this trip. Government taxes and fees are included in your airfare price. Fees billed by airlines are shown separately on your invoice. Ask our Tour Consultants for details. Every effort has been made to produce this information accurately. We reserve the right to correct errors. Prices are based on preferences selected above, including meals and sightseeing as specified in What's Included. All prices are subject to change. Departure dates and prices shown may be updated several times daily, and apply to new bookings only.
Built in 1887, this inn is close to all of Bar Harbor’s attractions. Take in views of Frenchman Bay through the dining room’s picture window. The Inn’s new luxury spa opened in spring 2006.
This historic country inn overlooking the blue waters of Northeast Harbor offers modern-day amenities including a heated swimming pool and clay courts.
|
May 63° Jun 71° Jul 77° |
Aug 75° Sep 69° Oct 58° |
This tour offers the full range of easy terrain mixed with moderate and challenging hills and is ideal for beginning and experienced cyclists. Our VBT van support shuttle is always available for those who need assistance with the hills.
|
May 63° Jun 71° Jul 77° |
Aug 75° Sep 69° Oct 58° |

Occasionally, unforeseen circumstances may arise which may cause you to either cancel or interrupt your vacation. We are committed to providing the best value for your travel dollar. That is why we include an insurance program on your invoice.
|
TRIP CANCELLATION |
TRIP COST |
|
TRIP INTERRUPTION |
150% of Trip Cost |
|
TRAVEL DELAY ($150 MAXIMUM PER DAY) |
$750 |
|
BAGGAGE & PERSONAL EFFECTS |
$1,500 |
|
BAGGAGE DELAY ($150 MAXIMUM PER DAY) |
$750 |
|
ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS MEDICAL EXPENSE |
$50,000 |
|
EMERGENCY MEDICAL EVACUATION |
$100,000 |
|
ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT |
$25,000 |
|
ONE CALL 24HR ASSISTANCE SERVICES* |
INCLUDED |
|
ONE CALL TRAVEL SOLUTIONS* |
INCLUDED |
|
ONE CALL CONCIERGE SERVICES* |
INCLUDED |
*These are non-insurance services provided by One Call Worldwide Travel Services Network.
Insurance is underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, Eatontown, NJ. This is only a brief description of the plan. The Plan Certificate, which fully details the Benefits, Limitations, and Provisions of the plan is available at www.vbt.com. This plan is administered by Trip Mate, Inc. (in CA, Trip Mate Insurance Agency), 9225 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64114 800-888-7292.
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Tour Cost Per Person |
Plan Cost Per Person |
|
$1,001-$1,500 |
$165 |
|
$1,501-$2,000 |
$220 |
|
$2,001-$2,500 |
$265 |
|
$2,501-$3,000 |
$320 |
|
$3,001-$3,500 |
$375 |
|
$3,501-$4,000 |
$415 |
|
$4,001-$4,500 |
$450 |
|
$4,501-$5,000 |
$490 |
|
$5,001-$6,000 |
$585 |
|
$6,000-$7,000 |
$625 |
Please Note: The rates shown are per-person and are subject to change, and include coverage for the air portion of your itinerary if VBT Active Vacations is arranging your air transportation. The Travel Protection Plan cannot be purchased after you have made your final payment or once you are inside the penalty period, whichever comes first. The cost of your Travel Protection Plan is non-refundable.
Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion is waived if the plan is purchased within 14 days of initial trip payment.